Get Lucky this Year of the Monkey!

This February 8, a fifth of the world’s population will welcome the Chinese New Year with family, food, firework displays and fortune consultations.

On the Chinese calendar, 2016 is assigned to the fire monkey, the adventurous and ambitious one among the zodiac animals.

The Chinese believe that people born in the Year of the Monkey are quick-witted, curious, innovative and mischievous. But contrary to common Filipino belief of getting lucky when your zodiac year comes around, it’s actually the opposite! *gasp*

The zodiac animals are either closely related to ancient Chinese people’s daily lives, or have lucky meanings. The ox, horse, goat, rooster, pig, and dog are six of the main domestic animals raised by Chinese people. The other six animals: rat, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, and monkey are all loved by the Chinese people.

According to Chinese astrology, on your birth year, an unknown force comes out and offends the God of Age. Due to this, the God of Age will make sure that one will have bad luck on his zodiac birth year.

Before you throw yourself off the bridge, there is a way to break the curse! Block the bad luck from coming by wearing something red given by an elder (relative), such as socks, a neck cord, underwear, a waistband, a bracelet, or an anklet. Whew!

For a more comprehensive guide on getting lucky, check this infographic from travelguidechina.com:

Now, on to the celebrations! May we all have a prosperous new year!

The 12 Chinese Zodiac animals are in a fixed order according to Chinese Yin and Yang Theory and perceived attributes.

Sources:

Sabur, R., & Macphail, C. (2016, January 26). When is Chinese New Year 2016: Everything you need to know about the Year of the Monkey. Retrieved from The Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/12072836/When-is-Chinese-New-Year.html